The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced their final cuts and roster moves late Saturday night as the team’s 2025 roster takes form. “There was some heavy competition,” Head Coach Corey Mace told reporters at practice Sunday. “Guys had to prove to [us] to solidify their spot. I thought we had some really good depth in camp.” The team’s final roster features 26 Canadians, 24 Americans and one global player. The team’s core of Trevor Harris, A.J. Ouelette, Samuel Emilus on offense and Jameer Thurman, Marcus Sayles and Micah Johnson defensively remains intact to lead this year’s squad. “If you look at the roster and at guys that are kind of potentially waiting in the wings, there are some playmakers and some really good players,” Mace added. As part of final cuts, 17 players – including four Canadians – were released. “Exciting day, but tough, tough day,” Mace said about making the roster decision. “For us, you get to know these guys on a little bit of a deeper level. That’s our decision to do that, knowing the inevitable of just making final cuts.” “But it never makes it easier,” he added. Some of the more notable cuts by Saskatchewan include the Herdman-Reed twins – Justin and Jordan. Both brothers have spent seven seasons in the CFL. Justin started 16 games in 2024 for the Riders, Jordan 8 games – all on special teams. Running back Trent Pennix was signed by the team in January but failed to crack the final roster. Mace said “cohesion” was of importance for this year’s team. “[It is] kind of hand in hand a little bit when it comes to this game,” he added. “Even the guys [who] are new to the team, they’ve been in some form of it. It’s just been at a previous place. We’re happy.” The Riders also moved 11 players to the practice squad. Players including Anderson, Collins, Mimbs, Brooks Jr. and Couch started for Saskatchewan in their final preseason test Friday against Winnipeg. Anderson rushed the ball seven times for 69 yards. While Robustelli led the game in receiving with 119 yards. Punter Bailey Flint was added to the team’s suspended roster. Five players – including University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ Seth Hundeby and Daniel Wiebe – will return to their respective U Sports squads. The four quarterbacks Mace and staff made the decision to keep all four quarterbacks who have been with the team throughout training camp. All four pivots made appearances in preseason games. Harris – who is the undisputed starter – played just one half in the team’s first preseason game and did not dress for the second. Jake Maier saw tones of time under centre – playing the most of all Rider QBs this preseason. He went 17/28 for 193 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT in five quarters of football. Tommy Stevens played in the first preseason game, but not the second. While Jack Coan shinned in Friday’s preseason game at home against Winnipeg, throwing for 189 yards on 18 completions and leading the team on its only touchdown drive of the preseason. “We love these guys. They’re great,” Mace said about the group. “I thought Jack played a really good preseason game. He’s been showing his skill set throughout camp. “We wanted to see if there was a way that we can get off four. And glad we got that done.” Mace believes his veteran team is hungry headed into 2025. “We have the people in place that aren’t afraid to do hard work and [get to] dirty areas or do it the hard way,” he said. “Which certainly speaks to what a CFL season is. We’re a physical group.” Kickoff for the first home game of the season versus Ottawa is scheduled for June 5, 7:30 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium and on TSN.
